FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Streaking toward the basket, Boston Celtics draft pick Fab Melo reached up for teammate Shelvin Mack's pass and in a thundering movement, slammed the ball home for two points.

The statement basket helped carry the Red Claws to a 117-112 NBA Development League victory Sunday over Fort Wayne in a game packed full of Maine highlight moments.

For the first time in franchise history, the Red Claws are 2-0 entering their home opener Friday against the LA D-fenders, the development team of the Los Angeles Lakers, at the Portland Expo. The Red Claws will wear Celtics jerseys for that game.

PORTLAND — The Maine Red Claws' home-opener featured a number of crowd-pleasing plays from high-flying forward Chris Wright and Boston Celtics first-round draft pick Fab Melo. Even with Melo in, first-year Red Claws head coach Mike Taylor hopes his team learns to mellow out when it c...

PORTLAND — The Maine Red Claws' home-opener featured a number of crowd-pleasing plays from high-flying forward Chris Wright and Boston Celtics first-round draft pick Fab Melo. Even with Melo in, first-year Red Claws head coach Mike Taylor hopes his team learns to mellow out when it c...

Road-tested Red Claws nip AntsThe teams exchange leads and the game comes down to a missed 3-pointer at the buzzer.

By MARK JEANNERET

PORTLAND - The Maine Red Claws finally shared some of their early-season road success with the hometown fans.

After losing their first two home games of the season, while countering with victories in their first three road games, the Red Claws sent their faithful home happy Saturday thanks to a 116-113 victory over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

Melo established a D-League record with 14 blocks and recorded the third triple-double in franchise history, but it wasn't enough as the Maine Red Claws dropped an 85-78 decision to the Erie Bayhawks at the Expo Saturday night.

"Fab Melo was fabulous today," said Red Claws Coach Mike Taylor. "He played the best game of his short D-League career. He was tremendous on both ends. Obviously, with the D-League record for blocked shots, that says it all right there. But he provided some offense and rebounding for us to get the triple-double. Fantastic effort."

BOISE, Idaho – With three key players out of the lineup, the Maine Red Claws didn't miss a beat in a 108-94 victory over the Idaho Stampede on Wednesday evening at CenturyLink Arena in D-League action.

After starters Chris Joseph and Shelvin Mack received call ups on Saturday and with Chris Wright unavailable due to a concussion, the Red Claws (8-4) turned to Fab Melo and were not disappointed.

The Celtics' top pick followed up his record-setting performance of 14 blocks on Saturday with a season-high 32 points and nine blocks to lead Maine.